×
Skip to content

About Altron - the story of a 58-year-old technology giant

Shape 1 Shape 2

We’re the original  - South African technology brand

Since 1965, we’ve been harnessing the power of data, technology, and human ingenuity to solve real-world problems – from the everyday to the epic. 

Today, our industry solutions, digital business and distribution services help our customers operate, optimise, and build for the future.

Our customer-obsessed culture makes us a trusted partner – we deliver critical national solutions to the public sector and vital business support to 50% of the companies in the JSE Top 100, including leaders in banking, retail and healthcare.

Our purpose
Transform today into a simpler, safer and smarter tomorrow

Play button

Our History

 

We have a long and proud history of being a pioneering business. From the outset in 1965, we've been passionate about finding solutions to our country's most pressing issues using technology. 
 
This, coupled with the relentless ingenuity of our people, is what turned us into the technology giant we are today.

Left arrow
Right arrow

1965

Dr Bill Venter founded Allied Electric. 

1964_Allied_-_trace

1975

Allied Technologies (Altech) is listed on the JSE.

1975_JSE-logo

1986-1990

JSE-listed Autopage Holdings is purchased, and significant growth is recorded.
 

1986_autopage

1991-1994

Xerox USA re-enters South Africa in a joint venture with Altron.
 

1994_Xerox

1997-1998

Netstar, South Africa's leading vehicle tracking company, is acquired.

1997_Netstar

2002

Powertech and Fintech are delisted and become wholly owned subsidiaries of Altron.

2002_Fintech

2004

Acquisition of smart card manufacturer NamiTech (Altech Card Solutions).

Pamodzi was introduced as a BEE shareholder.

2004_NamITech

2008

Bytes Technology Group Limited acquired for R14 billion. Bytes delists from the JSE.

2008_Bytes

2013

Altron buys the remaining 39% of Altech and delists Altech from the JSE.
 

2013_Altech

2014

Reorganisation into Altron TMT and Powertech, along with a new corporate identity.

2014_Altron

2016

Value Capital Partners Proprietary Limited invests R400 million.

2016_vcp

2017

Mteto Nyati takes over as the first non-family member CEO.
 
UK-based Phoenix Software Services was acquired for R650 million.

2017

2018

Altron named the best technology share to buy on the JSE.
 
IS Partners was acquired for R225 million (Altron Karabina)
 
Altron Values are launched.

2018

2019

Ubusha Technologies was acquired for R360 million.
 
Altron disposes of assets to exit the manufacturing sector.

2019_Ubusha

2020

The 'One Altron' strategy leads to sizeable contract wins from Capitec, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa and Barloworld.
 
Altron is selected as the best share to buy in the 2020 Financial Mail Stock Pick Portfolio.

2020_One_Altron

2021

Stewart van Graan was appointed as Chairman. The Bytes UK demerger is completed.
 
Lawtrust is acquired, positioning Altron Security as a one-stop shop for digital and information security.
 

2021_Lawtrust

2022

1 October 2022, Werner Kapp was appointed Group Chief Executive of Altron.

2022

2023

Altron implements an ambitious three-year strategy to become the leading platform and IT services business in chosen markets.

Test Illustration -2

We transform today into a simpler, safer, and smarter tomorrow.

Every day, we impact lives in countless ways. We power connectivity, healthcare, financial technology, and South Africa's vital business infrastructure – all while safeguarding businesses, their assets and your digital identity.

0%
Of the top 100 JSE listed companies are our customers.
0 million
Healthcare transactions are switched annually using our technology.
0 million
Devices connected through Netstar.
0 taxis
Fitted with Netstar's free Wi-Fi.
0 million
South African Smart ID cards embedded with our technology.
0 billion
Internet of Things messages are processed every month.

View the impact of our solutions

Massmart image
Reducing IT escalations by more than 50% 

We created the Massmart Tech Booth to support and help them provide employees with more efficient IT support. Offering immediate walk-in support, the Tech Booth handles nearly 1 500 queries each month. 

Button Icon Learn More
Hungry Lion Image (1)
Simplified workforce management across borders

We partnered with Hungry Lion to implement and integrate a workforce management solution and a data analysis system to improve profitability for their host of stores both locally and in neighbouring countries.

Button Icon Learn More
Putco Case Study
Accidents and claims lowered by 70%  

Following a large accident that claimed many lives, Putco started using our Netstar Fleet Management System to monitor bus safety and use. Our system has helped Putco drastically reduce accidents and claims recorded against them.

Button Icon Learn More
Vodacom image
Placing the customer at the centre 

A great customer experience is an important business consideration, which is why Vodacom relies on us. From administering the 9.3 million commands subscribers generate daily to providing personalised offers, we help Vodacom deliver exceptional service to 130 million customers.

Our Values  

  • Openness honesty and integrity (1)
    We believe in openness, honesty and integrity
  • Collaborate across multiple teams
    We collaborate across teams
  • Passionate about our employees
    We are passionate about customers, partners, employees and communities
  • Get things done and enjoy doing it
    We get things done and enjoy doing it
  • Embrace diversity and inclusion
    We embrace diversity and inclusion

Businesses in the Altron group

 
We help you equip and enable everyone, anywhere in your organisation, with the information and technology they need to create value. 
 
The six businesses delivering solutions and services across our portfolio are:

  • Altron FinTech
  • Altron HealthTech
  • Netstar
  • Altron Digital Business
  • Altron Security
  • Altron Arrow

Altron FinTech

Provides cutting-edge technology and services to facilitate card issuance and personalisation, digital payments, integrated digital transactions and credit management solutions.

altron_fintech

Altron HealthTech

Delivers innovative solutions for improved patient care and operational efficiency within the medical industry. We switch 99.8 million healthcare transactions annually and securely manage 7.7 million digital patient records.

altron_healthtech

Netstar

With over 1.6 million connected devices, Netstar is an industry-leading provider of vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions that focus on physical safety, security and operational efficiency.

netstar logo

Altron Digital Business 

Bring together the best IT services capability across the group to deliver enterprise-grade solutions that help you operate, optimise and transform your business.

altron_digital_business

Altron Security 

Combines advanced technology, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships to deliver cryptography and data, edge and identity security solutions that ensure regulatory compliance.

Altron Security Logo - light

Altron Arrow 

A leading distributor of electronic components strategically positioned to help you design, source, build and launch products.

altron_arrow

Altron FinTech

Altron FinTech

Provides cutting-edge technology and services to facilitate card issuance and personalisation, digital payments, integrated digital transactions and credit management solutions.

Altron HealthTech

Altron HealthTech

Delivers innovative solutions for improved patient care and operational efficiency within the medical industry. We switch 99.8 million healthcare transactions annually and securely manage 7.7 million digital patient records.

Netstar

Netstar

With over 1.6 million connected devices, Netstar is an industry-leading provider of vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions that focus on physical safety, security and operational efficiency.

Altron Digital Business

Altron Digital Business 

Bring together the best IT services capability across the group to deliver enterprise-grade solutions that help you operate, optimise and transform your business.

Altron Security

Altron Security 

Combines advanced technology, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships to deliver cryptography and data, edge and identity security solutions that ensure regulatory compliance.

Altron Arrow

Altron Arrow 

A leading distributor of electronic components strategically positioned to help you design, source, build and launch products.

Our leadership

Meet the leadership team championing relevant, transformative technology in South Africa and beyond.

Button Icon Meet our leaders

Work at Altron

Our people are the best in the business at tackling important problems from the everyday to the epic. Together, we deliver solutions that positively impact our economy, communities and the environment. 

At Altron, you’ll experience diverse, exciting and rewarding work while pursuing a fulfilling career.
 

Button Icon Join our team

Investor relations

Explore a comprehensive overview of our business, from our investment case to our strategy, business model, and frequently asked questions about the business.

Button Icon Learn more

Altron in the news

We are making headlines and history. Read our latest news.

Button Icon Visit our newsroom
We partner with businesses across South Africa to solve real-world problems. How can we help you take on tomorrow?